Strengthened casino legislation that applies tougher penalties, better oversight and more powers for the regulator has passed Parliament.
The Casino Legislation Amendment (Burswood Casino) Act 2022 is the first legislative step towards addressing issues raised in the Perth Casino Royal Commission.
The legislation provides the Racing and Gaming Minister and Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) with greater powers to enact the recommendations of the Royal Commission.
It also allows for the appointment of the Independent Monitor, who will work closely with the GWC and the casino operator on remediation processes within the casino.
Importantly, the casino operator in Western Australia faces harsher penalties for non-compliance under the new legislation, with the maximum fine increased from $100,000 to $100 million.
Other key measures within the Bill include:
- a provision for the WA Government to recoup costs for the Independent Monitor from Crown/the casino operator;
- additional offences and penalties relating to providing false or misleading information to the independent monitor;
- enabling an independent chair to be appointed to the GWC;
- enhancing powers for the Minister to direct the GWC; and
- enhancing GWC powers to direct the Perth Casino.
The Act addresses several recommendations within the Royal Commission final report and is part of Government's multi-staged response.
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Tony Buti:
"Now that the legislation has passed Parliament, I look forward to installing the Independent Monitor at the casino as quickly as possible.
"As outlined in the legislation, we will also be able to recover the costs of the Independent Monitor from the casino.
"We are setting the bar high for integrity and transparency for the casino operator in Western Australia - compliance will not be optional.
"Further work is underway to look at how we can also reform the Casino Control Act 1984."
